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Blades to face Blues after Elliott stuns Wolves
Birmingham midfielder Wade Elliott stunned Wolves with a second-half winner to earn Chris Hughton’s side a shock FA Cup third round 1-0 replay win at Molineux.
The former Burnley player clinched a visit to Sheffield United in the fourth round with the deciding goal 17 minutes from time.
Victory gave Blues a small measure of revenge as Wolves retained their Premier League status at the expense of Birmingham on the final day of last season.
Chris Hughton’s main priority is to try to regain City’s top-flight status at the first attempt – and they are on the fringe of the play-offs. But his side had already shown their resilience in the Europa League this season and this was their 36th game in a crowded schedule.
Blues were worthy winners, creating the better chances while Curtis Davies impressed in defence.
The visitors knocked the ball around in confident fashion in the early stages and Wolves captain Christophe Berra made a crucial interception to clear David Murphy’s dangerous low centre, with Elliott behind him on the far post.
Sylvan Ebanks-Blake had the first shot on goal but City goalkeeper Colin Doyle was not extended with his low drive.
Ebanks-Blake then got in between two defenders to head narrowly wide from a testing centre by Adam Hammill.
Blues finished the half on the attack and Jonathan Spector’s cross-shot flew inches wide.
Elliott made the game’s decisive breakthrough with 17 minutes left.
Elliott initially hit the post from Mutch’s corner and, after Murphy’s follow-up effort had been blocked, he poked the ball over the line from close range.
De Vries turned over a powerful drive from Beausejour after the out of touch Stephen Hunt was caught in possession.
Wolves sought an equaliser but Colin Doyle produced a superb double save to block bravely at the feet of Fletcher and then turn over the follow-up attempt from Hunt in the 89th minute.
Goalkeeper Peter Brezovan was Brighton’s penalty shoot-out hero as he broke Wrexham hearts.
Brezovan thwarted Dean Keates’s penalty before Craig Mackail-Smith’s decisive kick secured a home tie against Newcastle for the Championship side.
Wrexham manager Andy Morrell had given the home side a first-half lead with a curled shot into the top corner.
Brighton had offered little until substitute Ashley Barnes levelled on 77 minutes with a header which forced extra-time.
Morrell said: “I am so proud of the lads, they were exceptional in giving an excellent Championship team a run for their money.”
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